A Trial of Treatment With Lenalidomide-Melphalan-Dexamethasone in Patients With Primary (AL) Amyloidosis (LEOMEX)

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The treatment with oral melphalan and prednisone has been recommended as standard treatment of AL amyloidosis but the results are rather disappointing. Another therapeutic option is pulsed high-dose dexamethasone + melphalan (Mel-Dex) with more encouraging results regarding the achievement of a faster disease response and higher rates of haematological remission. In the last 5 - 10 years, promising treatment outcomes after therapy with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell support have been reported by several groups but only highly selected patients are eligible for this treatment. Lenalidomide has been shown to be effective in phase II and III trials in MM patients. Because of the relationship to MM, Lenalidomide is a promising therapeutic option also for patients with AL amyloidosis. The addition of Lenalidomide to Mel-Dex could improve rate of complete response (CR) and organ response in patients not eligible for or refused high-dose chemotherapy.

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Females of childbearing potential (FCBP) must agree to use two reliable forms of contraception simultaneously or to practice complete abstinence from heterosexual intercourse during the following time periods related to this study: 1) for at least 28 days before starting study drug; 2) while participating in the study; and 3) for at least 28 days after discontinuation from the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Multiple Myeloma stage II and III (Durie and Salmon)

Previous organ transplantation

Not able to visit the Amyloid Clinic in Heidelberg once per month

Refusal of aspiration of 100 ml bone marrow at study inclusion

Any serious medical condition, laboratory abnormality, or psychiatric illness that would prevent the subject from signing the informed consent form.

Pregnant or breast feeding females. (Lactating females must agree not to breast feed while taking lenalidomide).

Any condition, including the presence of laboratory abnormalities, which places the subject at unacceptable risk if he/she were to participate in the study or confounds the ability to interpret data from the study.

Use of any other experimental drug or therapy within 28 days of baseline.

Known hypersensitivity to thalidomide.

The development of erythema nodosum if characterized by a desquamating rash while taking thalidomide or similar drugs.

Any prior use of lenalidomide.

Concurrent use of other anti-cancer agents or treatments.

Known positive for HIV or infectious hepatitis, B or C.

Patients who are in a depending position of the Sponsor or the Principal Investigator